Introduction – overview of the funding
The Women’s Urgent Support Fund supports organisations providing frontline services for women to manage the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Fund is delivered by the Smallwood Trust.
Who is eligible to apply?
The following types of non-profit groups can apply:
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Charitable Trusts
- Co-operative Societies
- Community Benefit Societies
- Community Interest Companies limited by Guarantee
- Community Interest Companies limited by Shares
- Company limited by Guarantee
- Unincorporated organisations/associations
Co-operative Societies must have a not for profit/asset lock clause(s) in their Society Rules AND be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Company limited by Guarantee must be a registered charity OR have a not for profit/asset lock clause(s) in their Articles of Association.
Eligible organisations must also:
- Be delivering frontline services which are led by, for and/or serving women.
- Be responding to identified need and demand as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
- Be based in England, especially within the priority geographic areas.
- Have an annual turnover of less than £1 million.
- Have their own UK based bank account with at least two unrelated signatories.
- Have their own management committee with at least three unrelated members.
- Have a written governing document.
What are the funder priorities?
Priority will be given to organisations and/or services supporting the following groups:
- Women experiencing racial inequality.
- Disabled women.
- Women with No Recourse to Public Funds.
- Women that are the sole parent to children under 18 years.
- LGBTQ+ communities experiencing financial insecurity.
How much can organisations apply for?
Grants of between £15,000 and £60,000 over three years are available. This should be split across the three years, with a maximum of £20,000 per year.
What the funding can be used for
The funding can be used for organisational costs such as:
- Increasing or safeguarding the role of a key worker who is the first line of response to women in crisis.
- Covering increased rent for meeting spaces to allow an organisation to continue delivering services meeting basic needs of women.
- Emergency provision of clothing, food and welfare packs to offset the cost-of-living crisis.
The fund can also cover the following types of costs:
- Dedicated organisational capacity development.
- Staff salaries.
- Project activities.
- Running costs.
- Equipment.
- Contributions to fixed costs.
Is there a deadline?
The closing date for completed Expression of Interest forms is 5pm on 21st June, 2024
Find out more/how to apply
To start the application process, applicants will need to complete an online Expression of Interest form that must be submitted by 5pm on 21st June 2024.
An Expression of Interest can also be submitted as a video or audio file. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
Full Guidance Notes, FAQs and other information can be found on the Funder’s website.
Further support
For further support from RVA with preparing your application or the policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Randhawa at herjeet.randhawa@rva.org.uk